Proposed Rule Change Could Diminish Maurice Jones-Drew's Value

The NFL is making a conscious effort to push for safety in today's game.

Speaking for many, it seems to be a valid thing to do ethically. Nobody wants to see anyone get hurt, or even worse, do long-lasting damage to their body.

Up to this point, the rule changes have without a doubt made the game safer. From late hits to hits led with helmets to the nastiest of hits on defenseless receivers, the yellow flags fly out multiple times throughout each and every game.

A newly proposed set of rule changes has one in particular that not only affects the games, but highly devalues the running back in the NFL.

The proposed rule states that there should be no contact initiated by the ball carrier with the crown of their helmet. In short, if you have the ball, you need to keep your head up.

Perhaps a few running backs such as LeSean McCoy or Reggie Bush can get away with this rule because they are quick, agile and already have a game focused on making the defensive player miss compared to running through them.

Jones-Drew is known for getting as low as possible, putting his helmet down and plowing through anybody in his way to as much extra yardage as possible.

Losing speed throughout the years, Jones-Drew is still one of the better running backs in the NFL, but this proposed rule change will take away his biggest asset. At 5'7" and 210 lbs, he is the epitome of lower body strength that allows players at such body measurements to have an advantage.

Do you agree with the rule change?

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Do you agree with the rule change?

Yes

5.8%

No

94.2%

Total votes: 377

Jones-Drew is not the only big-name running back who would be greatly hurt by this rule change, as players such as Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore and Ray Rice will have to rely solely on speed, spins and cuts without using their power.

The approval of this proposition would seemingly have a much greater effect compared to every other rule that has been implemented. Aside from losing out on gaining extra yardage, what happens to the body of the player with the ball? It is hard to believe that the injuries will not increase for them, who are simply using pure power and body management to protect themselves from hits. How many broken chins will need to be witnessed before this rule must be changed?

The fact of the matter is at some point players need to understand the dangers of the game, and if they do not want to take the risk, stay out of the league.